We are finally reaching an agreement which is a very important step in maintaining regional peace and stability.

While the proposed Code of Conduct on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that is now under negotiations among China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that included the Philippines is seen to effectively address conflicting claims on the WPS, an outside force may pose a serious hurdle.

The intrusion of other countries that are not relevant to the issue might mar the agreement, a Chinese international relations expert said.

In a forum, Jian Jianghua who is a representative of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee said tension in the region is now being addressed by the Asian superpower through negotiations through the drafting of the CoC that is expected to be completed before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from office.

“We all know that China has been making positive efforts in the negotiations and I think, we are finally reaching (an agreement) which is a very important step in maintaining regional peace and stability,” Jianghua said when asked about China’s initiatives to resolve its territorial dispute with the Philippines.

“Also, I think China has shared a common understanding with ASEAN countries that we need to enhance mutual trust and manage differences and constant cooperation and maintain stability,” he added.

However, Jianghua warned that the CoC might be put at risk if countries which have a stake in the conflict would allow “other foreign nations” to interfere.

“In the meantime, we suggest caution with some foreign and other countries hyping up this issue because we know that some countries do not want to see that we address it as they prefer that it persists, thus, disturbing relations in the region,” he said.

As soon as the CoC is finalized, Jian encouraged ASEAN countries to uphold the agreement to attain peaceful regional cooperation and boost more economic development in East Asia.

“China, the Philippines and other stakeholders should work hard to finish the CoC and after the CoC is crafted, the relevant countries must uphold it and protect it. So the stakeholders concerning this should hold the key to the stability,” he said.

“Harmony in this region is in our hands rather than in letting other countries interfere in our own affairs. That is a very important condition in addressing this issue.”

Jian also acknowledged President Rodrigo Duterte’s openness to strengthen Philippines’ diplomatic ties with China.

“The two counties have had its ups and downs on the maritime friction and we are very happy to see that the current leader of the Philippines expressed on many occasions his will to strengthen the ties and the cooperation with China. It is also the same stance of Chinese leaders,” he said.

He elaborated that China wanted to maintain “sound and good” relations with different stakeholders involved in territorial disputes to highlight the best solution to address conflicts which is through direct negotiations.

Last November, the ASEAN-China summit adopted a three-year timeline, which China proposed, to conclude the CoC.

“We reaffirm the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea and recognized the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the 22nd ASEAN Chairman’s statement, penned by Thailand, read.

The document will be the binding document that will govern actions of countries within the South China Sea including the WPS amid the territorial claims.

Other ASEAN state-members who are involved in the territorial dispute in the South China Sea are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.